The UAB Cystic Fibrosis Research Center lab celebrates Liping Tang's (front center) recognition as a 2025 Summer DOM STAR Awardee for Staff Excellence. The Department of Medicine is pleased to recognize Liping Tang, lab manager of the Gregory Fleming James UAB Cystic Fibrosis Research Center in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, as a recipient of the Summer 2025 DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Liping has served at UAB for more than 15 years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, adaptability, and dedication. Her meticulous attention to detail, both in scientific and administrative procedures, makes her a key asset in supporting the research team.
Liping’s leadership was particularly crucial during the pandemic when she helped transition the lab to an open-concept design. More recently, she has been instrumental in implementing new workflows to expand lab capabilities, including the development of primary cell culture systems, which were accessed by more than three dozen investigators across campus.
Additionally, she led efforts to integrate animal models into the center’s research by overseeing the complex onboarding of ferrets, a project that has fueled scientific growth and collaboration. Amidst the ongoing changes in the lab, Liping recently guided the lab to achieve a nearly perfect audit score.
Nominators highlighted her ability to foster a warm, welcoming environment that supports both colleagues and trainees. Her vast experience and discipline make her an exemplary resource for perfecting experimental conduct, troubleshooting, and improving techniques.
“My career and life have benefited immensely from knowing and working with Liping. She has extended a helping hand and leadership to many," recalled Assoicate Professor Vamsee Raju, Ph.D., "She makes the Rowe Lab a thriving and fulfilling research lab while helping countless others at UAB to advance their careers.”
Liping goes above and beyond to mentor trainees and junior faculty by organizing community outreach programs, enhancing workflow, and providing a safe space for team members to explore their curiosity about scientific discovery, which contributes to furthering translational science.
“She helped me grow as a fellow in training and now as an early-career faculty member. I would have been lost without her instruction and infinite wisdom," stated juniour faculty Kadambari Vijaykumar, M.D.
"Liping is very deserving of this recognition and exemplifies the principles intended by the DOM STAR for Staff Excellence Award. It is an honor to recognize her devotion to science and UAB,” concluded Steven Rowe, M.D., MSPH., professor of Medicine.
Thank you, Liping, for your invaluable service to UAB and your commitment to leadership, collaboration, and innovation within the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine.
We celebrate you as a Summer 2025 DOM STAR Awardee for Staff Excellence.